Created to Create

Hi y’all —

I hope everyone is doing well & enjoying 2024 so far!

Last year, as you may remember, A Graceful Space had a signature phrase that marked the first year of business: Write Your Own Story. This phrase was featured on the back of our logo, crewneck merch as well as in other places on the website as an important testament to what the platform stood for people authoring their own experiences. 

While this phrase continues to remain important, this year, I have come up with a new phrase that I believe identifies the website further: Created to Create. 

In the following blog post, I am going to outline the origin of this idea, its usage, where I think it's applicable in the world, & why it is relevant to us at A Graceful Space going forward. 

THE GENESIS

If you have been a follower of our site for some time, you may remember that I was studying abroad in Italy this summer. While there, I was taking two college classes: art & architecture. While they are not a part of my regular majors/minors at school, they were necessary classes to take to graduate. Because they were out of my normal field of study, I was initially nervous to partake in the experience, but I figured the best place to learn them was in Italy. 

While drawing, painting, & visiting beautiful cathedrals most days, I kept pondering on what it means to create something: the ability it takes, the skills required, the cognition needed, the imagination necessary, etc. I was in the midst of all of history’s most prominent artists & architects that people study. Yet, while I was fascinated by the majesty that surrounded me, I recognized that I & my classmates were also taking part in creating. 

While we might have not left as famous as Bernini or Mialengelo, we still contained projects that we created—birthed out of our imaginations, skills, & work ethics. 

This may seem like a standard concept to some, but when I left Italy, I never could stop thinking about the concept of creation. Back in the United States, I noticed the ways that my server delivered the dish that the chef in the kitchen crafted, the proposal my co-worker delivered from scratch, the new baby my sister’s friend delivered into the world, the flowers my mom planted, the crops my dad harvested.

Creation surrounds us. We were created to create. 

The intrinsic way that humans create things in our daily lives, perhaps without even noticing it, is such a beauty. 

Think about the ways you create. Comment below or message us what you do to create. 

COMMON ASSUMPTIONS

However, with the things we create, there are sometimes also common assumptions that arise with it. One is, if you create something, you must be creative. 

I don’t know about you, but I used to not consider myself creative. I knew that I had passions, interests, & certain things I was good at, but to be creative, I thought that meant a higher level of cognition; to reach a certain level of imagination that I hadn’t tapped into. I also mistakenly associated creativity with things like musicians, dancers, theater, artists, etc. While these categories are definitely creative, they are not the only means of creativity. 

Here are a few examples of occupations that are also creative that people often forget: 

1.Teachers are creative. Designing lesson plans based on curriculum & delivering them to a specific audience & adjusting them according to such needs requires creativity. 

2. Plumbers are creative. I don’t know about you, but I couldn't navigate the various pipes in my sink. To get to the object of fixing, they have creative tools & plans. 

3. Entrepreneurs are creative. They identify opportunities, innovate new products or services, & develop strategies to bring their ideas to market, often overcoming obstacles & taking risks along the way.

4. Journalists are creative. They craft compelling stories from facts & interviews, finding unique angles & engaging narratives to inform & captivate their audience.

5. Farmers are creative. They constantly adapt to changing environmental conditions & market demands, utilizing creative problem-solving skills to optimize crop yields, manage resources efficiently, & sustainably produce food for communities.

6. Chefs are creative. They use ingredients to craft unique dishes, experiment with flavors & presentation, & adapt recipes to suit different dietary restrictions or preferences.

7. Doctors are creative. They constantly face unique medical situations & challenges, requiring them to think outside the box to diagnose & treat patients effectively.

Numerous day-to-day tasks involve creativity, often without us even realizing it. Here are some examples:

1. Problem-solving: Whether it's fixing a leaky faucet, troubleshooting a computer issue, or figuring out the most efficient route to work, problem-solving involves creative thinking & adaptability.

2. Writing: From composing emails & social media posts to jotting down thoughts in a journal, writing involves conveying ideas effectively.

3. Decorating: Arranging furniture, choosing paint colors, & adding personal touches to living spaces all require creative decision-making to create a visually pleasing environment.

4. Gardening: Planning & planting a garden, choosing which plants to grow, & arranging them in aesthetically pleasing ways all involve creativity & a sense of design.

5. Parenting: Finding new ways to engage & educate children, solving conflicts, & fostering their development all require creative thinking & adaptability.

6. Crafting: Whether it's knitting, scrapbooking, woodworking, or any other hobby, crafting involves using imagination & creativity to create something unique & personal.

7. Budgeting & financial planning: Finding ways to save money, prioritize spending, & achieve financial goals often involves creative problem-solving & resourcefulness.

8. Socializing: Engaging in conversations, building relationships, & navigating social dynamics all require creativity in communication & empathy.

9. Learning: The process of acquiring new knowledge & skills often involves creative thinking to understand & apply concepts in different contexts.

10. Time management: Finding efficient & effective ways to prioritize tasks, allocate time, & meet deadlines requires creative problem-solving & organizational skills to maximize productivity & balance competing demands.

These are just a few examples, but in reality, almost any task or activity can involve creativity when approached with an open mind & a willingness to think creatively.

I could talk about this all day, but there are so many areas I also failed to note that also mark areas of creativity that are not normally considered as so. 

Feel free to comment below on occupations or activities in your day-to-day life that you find creative.

If you don’t consider yourself a creator or a creative person, I hope this also encourages you that creativity doesn’t have to be this grand endeavor; it can often be the simple things that are the most creative. 

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines create “to bring into existence” & creativity as “the ability to create”. Therefore, in my opinion, knowing these definitions, creativity isn’t always about the big & bold; it also thrives in the simplicity of bringing small things to life. 

This encompasses more than just art; it's about finding innovative solutions, adding personal touches to daily tasks, & embracing curiosity. Anyone can cultivate creativity through practice & an open mindset. So, whether you're an artist or navigating daily life, remember: that creativity is within reach. Embrace it, experiment, & let it infuse joy into everything you do.

THE USAGE

There are many reasons why we should create, & I of course argue it is because we were Created to Create.

However, I wanted to provide a list of several scholars, academics, & intellectuals who also share different expressions of creativity & what that looks like to not be biased. 

For example, a psychological perspective of creativity provides valuable insights into the nature of creativity & its significance in human experience.

“Creativity: The Psychology of Discovery & Invention” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi is a book that explores creativity & its importance in human life. 

Here are some high points & key quotes from the book:

1. His definition of Creativity: Csikszentmihalyi defines creativity as “any act, idea, or product that changes an existing domain, or that transforms an existing domain into a new one.” He emphasizes that creativity involves both originality & usefulness.

2. Flow State: Csikszentmihalyi introduces the concept of “flow,” a state of complete absorption in an activity where one's skills are matched with the challenges at hand. He argues that creativity often arises from being in a flow state.

3. Creative Personality: The author discusses the traits & characteristics commonly found in creative individuals, such as curiosity, persistence, & openness to new experiences.

4. Environmental Influences: Csikszentmihalyi explores the role of the environment in fostering creativity, emphasizing the importance of supportive social & cultural contexts.

5. Importance of Creativity: Csikszentmihalyi argues that creativity is essential for personal fulfillment & societal progress. He suggests that engaging in creative activities can lead to greater happiness & satisfaction in life.

  Key Quotes:

• “Of all human activities, creativity comes closest to providing the fulfillment we all hope to get in our lives.”

• “Creative individuals are remarkable for their ability to adapt to almost any situation & to make do with whatever is at hand to reach their goals.”

• “The best moments usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult & worthwhile.”

•  “If there is one word that makes creative people different from others, it is the word complexity.”

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Another novel on creativity, “Enjoy Old Age: A Program of Self-Management” by B.F. Skinner & M.E. Vaughan primarily focuses on promoting a positive outlook on aging through self-management techniques. Skinner's principles of behaviorism & self-management can be applied to fostering creativity even in old age. 

Here are some high points & key quotes related to creativity within the context of the book:

1. Maintaining a Positive Outlook: The authors emphasize the importance of maintaining a positive attitude towards aging. This positive mindset can be conducive to nurturing creativity as it fosters openness to new ideas & experiences.

2. Engagement in Meaningful Activities: The book encourages older adults to engage in meaningful activities that they enjoy. This can include pursuing hobbies, learning new skills, or engaging in artistic endeavors, all of which can stimulate creativity.

3. Adaptability & Flexibility: Skinner & Vaughan stress the importance of adaptability & flexibility in managing one's life as they age. Cultivating these qualities can lead to innovative problem-solving & creative thinking.

4. Self-Expression & Personal Growth: The book promotes self-expression & personal growth as essential components of aging well. Engaging in creative activities allows individuals to express themselves authentically & continue their journey of self-discovery throughout their later years.

Key Quotes:

• “Creativity knows no age limits. It is never too late to explore new interests, learn new skills, & express oneself creatively.”

•  “By engaging in creative activities, older adults can maintain a sense of purpose & fulfillment, contributing to their overall well-being.”

• “Embrace the possibilities of aging with an open mind & a willingness to explore new avenues of creativity.”

•  “Just as a tree continues to bear fruit in its later years, so too can individuals continue to cultivate their creativity & contribute to the world around them.”

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Furthermore, “Classroom Exercises for Entrepreneurship” by Jim Hart focuses on fostering creativity within the entrepreneurial & educational context. 

Here are some high points & key quotes on creativity from the text:

1. Importance of Creativity: Hart emphasizes that creativity is crucial for entrepreneurial success. He believes that creativity is not just about generating ideas but also about finding innovative solutions to problems.

•  “Creativity is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship. It's not just about generating ideas; it's about finding innovative solutions to real-world problems.”

2. Creating an Environment for Creativity: According to Hart, creating an environment that fosters creativity is essential. This includes providing opportunities for brainstorming, collaboration, & experimentation.

•  “Create an environment that fosters creativity. Provide opportunities for brainstorming, collaboration, & experimentation. Encourage students to think outside the box & explore unconventional ideas.”

3. Inspiring Curiosity: Hart suggests that inspiring curiosity is essential for nurturing creativity. Encourage students to ask questions, explore new ideas, & seek out new experiences.

• “Inspire curiosity in your students. Encourage them to ask questions, explore new ideas, & seek out new experiences. Curiosity is the fuel that drives creativity.”

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And finally, as a religious person, faith is central to my life. Therefore, I wanted to point to the Bible & God, whom I believe is the Creator of myself & all things. When talking about creativity, it is natural for me to look to my Creator, who also made me creative. I looked up “create” in the Bible, & more than 53 results for create or created came up; likewise, for “creation” 19 results showed. 

Here are a few verses that display this at work:

Isaiah 43:7 - “Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed & made.”

Isaiah 45:12 - “I made the earth & created man on it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, & I commanded all their host.”

Ephesians 2:10 - “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Revelation 4:11 - “Worthy are you, our Lord & God, to receive glory & honor & power, for you created all things, & by your will they existed & were created.”

Genesis 1:27 - “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male & female he created them.”

And so many others….

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I mention all of these texts from various disciplines to say, we are Created to Create. 

I hope you can recognize areas in your life where your creative spirit can flourish in the mundane or even special projects.

Thank you for keeping up with A Graceful Space, & if you have not joined us or subscribed yet & are tired of social media being a toxic space then join A Graceful Space by hitting the subscribe or connect button below. 

Thank you,

Grace

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More Quotes on Creativity:

•  “Creativity is thinking up new things. Innovation is doing new things.” - Theodore Levitt

•  “The heart & soul of the company is creativity & innovation.”- Bob Iger

•  “The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence—it is to act with yesterday's logic.” - Peter Drucker

• “Creativity is intelligence having fun.” - Albert Einstein